# China maritime activity in South China Sea > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/china-maritime-activity-in-south-china-sea > Updated: 2026-08-15T11:45:14.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 2. China has expanded its presence and influence in the South China Sea through military, infrastructural, and administrative measures. Initial developments focused on large-scale island-building at Antelope Reef and the deployment of maritime militia and coast guard vessels to project power, which has been noted as a strategic threat to regional actors like Australia. Following these physical expansions, China has utilized ecological and administrative frameworks to assert sovereignty. The Ministry of Natural Resources released ecological assessment reports for nine disputed features, including the Paracel and Spratly Islands, to justify the “classified protection and management of the island ecosystems.” The United States has rejected these designations, specifically regarding Scarborough Shoal, as attempts to advance territorial ambitions. These actions have also heightened diplomatic friction with the Philippines. Tensions escalated after the Chinese Embassy in Manila accused the Philippine Department of National Defense of “crazy anti-China activities,” while the Philippines maintained that its law enforcement actions are a matter of national sovereignty and not subject to external interference. ## Timeline ### 2026-08-15: China asserts South China Sea claims through new ecological reports China is using ecological reports to assert claims in the South China Sea, amid rising diplomatic friction with the Philippines and rejection of its maritime designations by the United States. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/china-asserts-south-china-sea-claims-through-new-ecological-reports ### 2026-08-10: China intensifies maritime presence in South China Sea China is increasing maritime pressure and island-building in the South China Sea, challenging Australia's regional security and complicating the strategic landscape through power projection. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/china-intensifies-maritime-presence-in-south-china-sea --- Cite as: China maritime activity in South China Sea. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/china-maritime-activity-in-south-china-sea